Daily Mail rejoice! Portuguese forward Bebé will play for Manchester United reserves tonight. The fixture against Aston Villa will be Bebé’s first match in England since the shock £7.4 million transfer from Vitória Guimarães in July. United has chosen not to select the forward until now, instead placing him on an intensive fitness programme.
However, Bebé – who’s full name is Tiago Manuel Dias Correia – has since appeared twice for his country’s Under-21 side and been through a further two weeks’ conditioning work at Carrington.
Less than three months ago, the 20-year-old was playing in the third tier of the Portuguese league with Estrela da Amadora before a contract dispute precipitated a free-transfer to first division out fit Vitória. Bébé spent just over a month with the club before joining United on Carlos Queiroz’ advice, even though Sir Alex Ferguson Ferguson admitted he had never seen him play.
Also involved with the reserve team tonight is Gabriel Obertan, the £3.5 million French winger who has missed the season’s start with an akle injury picked up on United’s North American tour.
With Antonio Valencia set to miss the remainder of the season with a broken leg and ankle ligament damage, both Obertan and Bebé have an opportunity to force their way into Ferguson’s first team planning.
Tonight’s match with Aston Villa at Moss Lane, Altrincham, is the reserves’ opening FA Premier Reserve League fixture, kick off 7pm, admission£5 adults, £3 concessions, season ticket holders and members free.
United: Sam Johnstone, Scott Wootton, Ritchie De Laet, Corry Evans, Reece Brown, Oliver Gill, Gabriel Obertan, Ravel Morrison, William Keane, Magnus Eikrem, Bebe, Marnick Vermijl, Conor Devlin, Robert Brady, Nick Ajose, John Cofie
Villa: Elliott Parish, Eric Lichaj, Derrick Williams, Ciaran Clark, Shane Lowry, Jonathan Hogg, Moustapha Salifou, Isaiah Osbourne, James Collins, Nathan Delfouneso, Barry Bannan, Durrell Berry, Andy Marshall, Arsenio Halfhuid, Daniel Johnson, Danny Devine
Obertan’s got a chance to stake a claim for the left berth. He should grab it with Bebe pushing him hard. Maybe we’ll finally get to see Tony V at Defensive mid when he returns coz I doubt he’ll dislodge Nani from RM.
Obertan playing tonight probably means Giggs or even Park playing on the left against Liverpool. Rooney is another option. I would have wanted Obertan to start on Saturday as he’s a bit of an unknown quantity. From what I’ve seen of him, he’s very quick and direct. He could have caused that Liverpool defence untold problems.
Fucking perverted twat stain
United reserves are getting raped by Villa tonight 3-0. Bebe’s playing quite well though.
u canna win owt wit kids u know
http://www.justin.tv/mufc11011#/w/391326496/2
Link for game. I’ve been quite impressed with Bebe. He’s quick and his crossing has been decent.
Villa are a very good side, it has to be said.
Fuck the Daily Mail though
The Mail, even though they obviously weren’t there pronounced him a flop. I was and he looked very good potential. Raw and obviously not up to speed but his crossing was great. It wasn’t his fault that no-one was in the middle.
Players like Bebe and Obertan clearly have a lot of potential but it remains to be seen whether they will get as much game time as will be needed to take their performances up a notch.
This Valencia injury will be a huge opportunity for someone like Obertan who will be champing at the bit to get some first team appearances under his belt. Now that Nani will presumably be shunted out to the right Obertan will want to establish himself as a serious contender for the left wing berth.
First team is too soon for Bebe but he showed genuine promise tonight.
I’m with Knobby on this… I reckon Fergie will now turn to Park.
4-1*